Heathrow will need to show a good case to enable it to construct a third runway. JOHN GLOVER examines the airport’s proposals in respect of rail services, which formed part of a consultation exercise in summer 2019
Like the railway in recent years, air travel volumes have expanded, and a third runway at Heathrow is a distinct possibility. This article summarises the airport’s Surface Access Proposals by rail, presently the subject of consultation.
The proposed third runway would be 3,500 metres long with a total width of 60 metres. It would be located to the north west of the two east-west runways of the present airport.
Airport works of the magnitude associated with the proposed new runway require a Development Consent Order. This is a statutory instrument, granted by the Secretary of State for Transport, giving permission for a nationally significant infrastructure project. This will follow a lengthy and extensive consultation process.
RAIL ACCESS
Heathrow is Britain’s only hub airport. It consists of four passenger terminals and two runways, serving 80 million passengers per year. Rail access was not an immediate priority, but the Piccadilly Line of London Underground reached Hatton Cross in 1975, wh…
